British telecom operator BT Group has tapped networking major Dell EMC for exploring new ways of managing network traffic.
As part of the SDN strategy, BT Group is evaluating the performance of Dell EMC disaggregated switches against traditional integrated switching hardware to test the performance, economics and programmability of this virtualized approach.
Disaggregated switches have several potential advantages over traditional network switches, as they can be managed flexibly using Netconf protocol and YANG models. This makes the entire system programmable and allows the switches to be operated in tandem to provide new network services or make configuration changes rapidly.
BT will work with Dell EMC to look at potential use cases as part of the trial as the company evolves its network strategy to maximize the benefits of SDN (software-defined networks), NFV (network functions virtualization) and programmable silicon. These include the instant activation of Ethernet circuits from a third party (such as an enterprise), and the ability of the system to deliver real-time network operational data.
The platform also has the potential to deliver other programmable use cases such as bandwidth calendaring – flexing the bandwidth of an Ethernet circuit according to customer needs via a predetermined calendar – and delivering network telemetry data to third parties automatically.
“This trial with Dell EMC will enable us to evaluate the performance of disaggregated switches against traditional integrated network switches, and make informed decisions about the role this kind of solution will play in the dynamic network services of the future,” said Neil J. McRae, chief architect for BT.
The trial at the BT Labs in Adastral Park, Suffolk, will explore how disaggregated switching can create flexible networks which are responsive to customer needs by using standard open network switches commonly found in data centres, coupled with specialist switching software.
Disaggregated switching uses merchant silicon based switching systems combined with commercially available or open source system software. This represents a significant shift architecturally, applying server-like principles to the delivery of dynamic network services over fixed-line and wireless networks.
“We’re focused on collaborating with BT to drive innovation and achieve their goals of enhancing network agility, flexibility and programmability to provide the high level of service their customers expect,” said said Tom Burns, senior vice president & general manager, Dell EMC Networking, Enterprise Infrastructure & Service Provider Solutions.
